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300+ Free Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Pass your Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) General Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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The three components of total stopping distance are:

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

80%

Minimum CDL Knowledge-Test Passing Score

49 CFR 383.135

March 2025

Arkansas CDL Study Guide Version

Arkansas DPS Driver Examination

$50

Arkansas CDL License Fee

Arkansas DFA Act 753 notice

14 days

Minimum CLP Holding Period Before Skills Test

FMCSA CDL Drivers

Study the Arkansas Commercial Driver License Study Guide before scheduling CDL written testing. Arkansas requires a valid Arkansas driver license, proof of legal presence, and a current CDL-1 form at testing visits. Federal CDL rules require knowledge tests to measure the Part 383 required knowledge areas and require at least 80% correct to pass. First-time Class A or Class B applicants subject to ELDT must complete training through an FMCSA-registered provider before the skills test.

Sample Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?
A.Approach the vehicle and check its general condition
B.Check under the hood
C.Start the engine and inspect inside the cab
D.Walk around and inspect the entire vehicle
Explanation: The first step of the seven-step pre-trip inspection is to approach the vehicle and look at its general condition. This includes checking for damage, whether the vehicle is leaning to one side, and looking under the vehicle for fresh leaks of oil, coolant, grease, or fuel. This initial overview can immediately reveal serious problems before you invest time in a detailed inspection.
2During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment?
A.Only the oil level
B.Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses
C.Only the coolant level and belts
D.Only items visible without opening any caps
Explanation: A thorough engine compartment inspection includes checking the oil level, coolant level in the radiator, power steering fluid, condition of belts and hoses for wear or cracks, and looking for leaks. You should also check the alternator, water pump, air compressor, and any other belt-driven components. Checking only one or two items could mean missing a critical problem that leads to a breakdown or safety hazard on the road.
3When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?
A.5 degrees in either direction
B.10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)
C.15 degrees in either direction
D.20 degrees in either direction
Explanation: FMCSA regulations require that steering wheel free play (lash) not exceed 10 degrees in either direction, which translates to roughly 2 inches of movement on a 20-inch diameter steering wheel before the front wheels begin to turn. Excessive free play indicates worn steering components and can make precise steering difficult, especially in emergency maneuvers. A vehicle with excessive steering lash would be placed out of service.
4During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, you should test the parking brake by:
A.Driving forward slowly and applying the parking brake
B.Putting the vehicle in gear with the parking brake set and gently pressing the accelerator to see if the vehicle holds
C.Visually checking that the parking brake handle is in the correct position
D.Checking the parking brake cable under the vehicle
Explanation: To properly test the parking brake, set the parking brake, put the vehicle in a low gear, and gently press the accelerator to see if the brake holds the vehicle in place. This functional test confirms the parking brake can actually prevent the vehicle from moving, which is essential for safety when parked on grades. A visual check alone is insufficient because it does not verify that the brake mechanism is actually functioning properly.
5Which emergency equipment is required to be on a commercial motor vehicle?
A.Fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three red reflective triangles
B.First aid kit, fire extinguisher, and flares only
C.Fire extinguisher and road flares only
D.Spare tire, jack, and reflective vest
Explanation: FMCSA regulations require every commercial motor vehicle to carry a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher (minimum 5 B:C rating, or two 4 B:C extinguishers), spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle has circuit breakers), and three red reflective warning triangles (or equivalent). These items are checked during inspections and roadside enforcement stops. A vehicle missing any of these required items can be cited for a violation.
6A post-trip inspection report is important because:
A.It is only required for vehicles carrying hazardous materials
B.It alerts the carrier to vehicle defects that may need repair before the vehicle is driven again
C.It replaces the need for the next driver to do a pre-trip inspection
D.It is optional but recommended by the FMCSA
Explanation: The post-trip inspection report (also called a DVIR, or Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is required by FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 396.11). Its purpose is to document any defects or deficiencies discovered at the end of the trip so the carrier can arrange repairs before the vehicle is dispatched again. The next driver must review the previous post-trip report and verify that any noted defects have been repaired or certified as not needing repair. It does not replace the next driver's pre-trip inspection obligation.
7During a pre-trip inspection, the driver notices a coolant leak near the water pump. What should the driver do?
A.Note it on the report and drive carefully to the next service stop
B.Add more coolant and continue the trip
C.Do not drive the vehicle until the leak is repaired
D.Drive only short distances and monitor the temperature gauge
Explanation: A coolant leak is a serious defect that can lead to engine overheating and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle should not be driven until the leak is repaired. Driving with a coolant leak risks engine damage, potential fire (if coolant contacts hot exhaust components), and could result in a roadside breakdown in an unsafe location. FMCSA regulations require that defects affecting safe operation be corrected before the vehicle is driven.
8Which of the following is an out-of-service condition that would prevent a vehicle from being driven?
A.A small crack in the windshield that does not obstruct the driver's view
B.A missing mud flap on a rear wheel
C.Brake lining thickness below the minimum allowed by regulations
D.A broken antenna on the CB radio
Explanation: Brake lining worn below the minimum thickness specified in FMCSA out-of-service criteria is a critical safety defect. The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria lists specific thresholds: brake lining must not be less than 1/4 inch thick at the thinnest point for air-braked vehicles. When brake linings are too thin, braking effectiveness is severely compromised, and the vehicle must be placed out of service until repairs are made. A small windshield crack not in the driver's view, a missing mud flap, or a broken CB antenna are defects but not typically out-of-service conditions.
9During the pre-trip inspection, which of the following should a driver check regarding the exhaust system?
A.Only that the muffler is present
B.That the exhaust system is secure, not leaking, and not in contact with fuel lines, wiring, or air lines
C.Only that exhaust fumes are not entering the cab
D.That the catalytic converter is functioning properly by checking emissions color
Explanation: When inspecting the exhaust system, the driver should verify that all components are properly mounted and secured, there are no leaks (which could allow poisonous carbon monoxide to enter the cab), and the exhaust system is not in contact with fuel supply lines, wiring, or air brake lines. Heat from the exhaust can damage these components, potentially causing fuel leaks, electrical fires, or brake failures. A complete exhaust system inspection goes beyond just checking for the presence of a muffler.
10What is the minimum tread depth required for steer axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle?
A.2/32 of an inch
B.4/32 of an inch
C.6/32 of an inch
D.1/32 of an inch
Explanation: FMCSA regulations require steer axle tires to have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch (approximately 3.2 mm) in every major groove. Steer tires have a higher minimum than other axle positions (which require only 2/32 of an inch) because the steer tires are critical for directional control of the vehicle. Tires below this minimum are considered unsafe and will result in a violation or out-of-service order during an inspection.

About the Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

The Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test is the written knowledge exam for Commercial Learner's Permit and Commercial Driver License applicants. Arkansas directs applicants to the March 2025 Commercial Driver License Study Guide and administers CDL written testing at Arkansas State Police troop testing sites. The exam is built under FMCSA CDL standards covering vehicle inspection, basic control, backing, seeing and communicating, speed and space management, adverse conditions, emergencies, skids, railroad crossings, mountain driving, cargo, fatigue, alcohol and drug effects, and CDL licensing basics.

Assessment

Arkansas CDL written testing uses the Arkansas Commercial Driver License Study Guide and FMCSA/AAMVA knowledge-test standards. Federal rules require prescribed knowledge areas and at least an 80% score; exact Arkansas form length is not published on the cited testing page.

Time Limit

No single Arkansas-published time limit found for the General Knowledge written test

Passing Score

80% minimum

Exam Fee

CDL-1 test packet purchase required before testing; Arkansas CDL license fee is $50 (Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Driver Services / Arkansas State Police Driver Examination)

Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Exam Content Outline

Federal required domain

Vehicle Inspection

Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection procedures for safety-critical systems, leaks, tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, cargo, and reporting defects.

Federal required domain

Basic Control and Backing

Starting, stopping, turning, backing, off-tracking, manual-shift procedures, and Arkansas skills-test readiness concepts.

Federal required domain

Speed, Space, and Seeing

Stopping distance, curves, grades, following distance, visual search, mirror use, communication, and safe traffic gaps.

Federal required domain

Night and Adverse Conditions

Night operation, fog, rain, snow, ice, hydroplaning, hot-weather tire risk, wind, and mountain or downgrade driving.

Federal required domain

Hazards, Emergencies, and Skids

Hazard perception, evasive steering, brake failure, blowouts, fires, crashes, skid prevention, and recovery.

Federal required domain

Cargo, Wellness, and CDL Rules

Cargo securement, weight distribution, fatigue, health, alcohol and drug effects, CDL classes, CLP/CDL process, ELDT, and Arkansas Class A human-trafficking course requirement.

How to Pass the Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum
  • Assessment: Arkansas CDL written testing uses the Arkansas Commercial Driver License Study Guide and FMCSA/AAMVA knowledge-test standards. Federal rules require prescribed knowledge areas and at least an 80% score; exact Arkansas form length is not published on the cited testing page.
  • Time limit: No single Arkansas-published time limit found for the General Knowledge written test
  • Exam fee: CDL-1 test packet purchase required before testing; Arkansas CDL license fee is $50

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Arkansas Commercial Driver License Study Guide before drilling practice questions.
2Memorize the 80% CDL knowledge-test pass rule and the Arkansas requirement to bring a current CDL-1 form to testing visits.
3Practice inspection questions until you can explain what each item is checked for, not just name the part.
4Treat speed and space questions as safety math: longer vehicles need more room, especially above 40 mph, at night, on downgrades, and in bad weather.
5Keep endorsement-specific study separate so General Knowledge prep stays focused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the Arkansas CDL General Knowledge test?

Arkansas CDL written testing is handled through Arkansas State Police Driver Examination testing sites, with Driver Services licensing handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

What score do I need to pass?

FMCSA rules require at least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test. Arkansas testing must follow those federal CDL standards.

What should I bring before CDL testing in Arkansas?

Arkansas DPS says applicants must purchase a CDL-1 form from a DFA Revenue Office before CDL testing and bring a valid Arkansas driver license, current CDL-1 form, and proof of legal presence at each testing-center visit.

Does Arkansas require ELDT?

FMCSA ELDT applies to covered first-time Class A/Class B applicants and certain endorsement applicants. Arkansas DPS links applicants to FMCSA ELDT and the Training Provider Registry to confirm whether the requirement applies.

Where is CDL written testing offered in Arkansas?

Arkansas DPS states that the written test for commercial driver licenses is administered at all troop testing sites. CDL skills tests are limited to specified troop locations.

Is this an endorsement practice test?

No. This bank focuses on General Knowledge. Endorsement-only topics such as Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles should be studied separately when required for your license class or vehicle.